Loft Ladder Measurement Guide

When looking to install a loft ladder, you’ll first need to take some important measurements to ensure that it’ll fit your home. To make this easier for you, we’ve made this guide to help you get all the measurements you need before making a purchase.

When taking measurements, make sure that they’re as accurate as possible to avoid any problems during installation.

Before making a purchase, you’ll need to know the following measurements:

• Floor to Floor Height
• Floor to Ceiling Height
• Hatch Clearance
• Hatch Opening
• Horizontal & Vertical Clearance

Don’t be overwhelmed, we’re going to explain each measurement & how to measure for it.

What is Floor to Floor Height?

Taking an accurate measurement for Floor-to-Floor Height is highly important as if you get it wrong, your ladder could end up being too long or too short.

Thankfully, taking this measurement is straightforward, simply measure from the floor of the loft to the floor below it.

Whatever this measurement is, that’s how long the ladder will be when fully extended.

What is Floor to Ceiling Height?

To ensure that your new Loft Ladder folds away neatly and sits flush with the ceiling, it is important that you take an accurate measurement of the space between the floor and the ceiling. This measurement is particularly important if you’re purchasing a Folding Loft Ladder.

To take this measurement, measure the space between the floor and the ceiling where the loft ladder is going to be installed.

What is Hatch Clearance?

If you are purchasing a Folding Loft Ladder, you need to make sure that the ladder isn’t going to be obstructed when folding it down from the hatch. The ladder should be able to move freely without any obstructions (e.g., a light fitting).

Measure the distance from the back of the Loft Hatch to the nearest obstruction. If there are no obstructions, this measurement Is less important.

What is a Hatch Opening?

This measurement is only necessary if you don’t already have a Loft Hatch in place. The measurements for the hath opening decide the size of the hole you’ll need to cut out of the ceiling to fit a loft ladder & hatch.

One thing to consider when taking these measurements is where the structural beams are. Also take wires & piping into account before cutting.

How to measure Horizontal & Vertical Clearance

When folded away, the Loft Ladder will be stored behind the back of the hatch within the attic. You want to make sure that there is enough storage space for the ladder to fit without hitting other objects stored in the attic.

To measure this accurately you will need to first find a Loft Ladder that meets the other measurements we’ve already discussed and check its product specification for its maximum clearance.

The vertical clearance ensures that the ladder won’t hit the roof when being folded away, and the horizontal clearance measures from the back of the Loft Hatch to make sure the ladder can be stored without hitting any obstacles.

Check out our full range of Loft Ladders.

We also stock a wide range of ladders for both domestic & professional use, see below:

Extension Ladders

Step Ladders

Warehouse Steps